KUCHING – Several political leaders in Sarawak are glad that national diver and Olympic star Pandelela Rinong was conferred a datukship yesterday in conjunction with the 85th birthday of Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“Congratulations to Pandelela for achieving this latest accolade. It is another feather in her cap,” said DAP’s Michael Kong.
“Our national athletes do what they do not for fame or riches. Instead, it is out of their love for the country and the sport.
“We can never thank Datuk Pandelela enough for all the pride and joy that she brings to us when representing this nation and her state.
“As such, it is only fitting that we reward our athletes like Datuk Pandelela for their success,” added the special officer to state DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen.
Another opposition politician, Lina Soo, said she is happy that the once little-known girl from the remote Kg Kupuo Jugan in Bau is now a “Datuk” and a recognised diving star.
“She deserves it and I am happy for her. I am very happy to hear the news and I am sure every Sarawakian, too, will be happy for her.
“No one more than her deserves the recognition. She has achieved great things in sports in the international arena and has brought great honour to Sarawak.
“We must remember it is only through hard work, determination and years of sacrifice that she has reached such a level, and we deeply admire her for her commitment. She is certainly a role model for the youth, to demonstrate that nothing is impossible and push them to reach for the stars,” said Soo.
On another note, Soo lent encouragement to badminton star Kisona Selvaduray, who was recently attacked with a racial slur by a politician, who has since apologised and resigned from his position.
“Keep your chin up and move on, girl,” Soo said. “Nothing should stop you from being another Pandelela-type success story in the sport of your choice.”
Human rights activist Peter John Jaban when contacted said: “I applaud and congratulate Datuk Pandelela who deserves to receive such a title. She has come a long way, and every Sarawakian will welcome this title given to her.”
‘Do not forget other greats’
However, Peter pointed out that there are other Sarawakian greats like national sprinter and Olympian Watson Nyambek who have been forgotten. He described Watson as a meteorite on the tracks and well recognised in world athletics.
He said these great sports stars, including Tania Bugo from Sarawak, must not be ignored as they have contributed much in the state, national and international arenas.
Tania Bugo was once the darling of the pool, having represented Sarawak in the Malaysia Games in 1990. She swam her way to 13 gold medals – setting 12 records in the process.
“I congratulate Datuk Pandelela on this well-deserved recognition for all her hard work and achievements, putting Sarawak on the world map,” said DAP’s Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
“She is already one of our nation’s sporting greats and an icon for young people around the world. I hope this recognition will inspire more people to work hard and be dedicated to achieving their dreams,” he added.
Dr Yii further said: “I strongly believe sports stars should be given due recognition not just for their hard work, but also for their ability to unite us Malaysians regardless of race or religion, especially during tough times.
“They shouldn’t be derided even when things don’t go the way we want, especially in a degrading or even racial manner like how badminton star Kisona was insulted with racial slurs,” he added.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak president Bobby William when contacted said he congratulates Datuk Pandelela for her achievements, and that she deserves the title and Sarawakians will be glad for this recognition.
“Perhaps the state must rise to recognise other state sports stars like bodybuilder Buda Anchah,” he said.
For the record, Buda won in the Masters category of the Mr Asia 2014 competition in Macau, and in the 70kg category of Mr World 2013 in Budapest, Hungary.
Sharing the pedestal today at Dewan Lapau in the state assembly complex for the awards ceremony were 40 other recipients of state awards, including Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In May, Karim drew flak from Sarawakians for “talking down” to Pandelela, a Bidayuh, saying giving awards to her may “spoil” the national diver’s passion for the sport.
In an immediate reaction, the Bung Bratak Bidayuh Association declared the Olympic silver and bronze-medalist “our people’s darling”.
Its president Peter Minos said Pandelela is perceived as a “heroine” who has brought great pride and honour to the state and nation as well as the Bidayuh community. – The Vibes, October 9, 2021
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